MIGNONETTE

any of about 60 species of herbs and shrubs making up the genus Reseda (family Resedaceae). They are native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia but have been widely introduced elsewhere. Several species have become popular garden flowers. Mignonettes are annual or perennial plants that reach heights of 30 to 75 cm (1 to 2 feet) and are found in field margins and open grasslands. Their leaves are typically simple in shape and pinnately lobed. Mignonettes bear long spikestechnically racemesof small white or yellowish green flowers that have orange anthers (pollen sacs). The popular garden mignonette (R. odorata) assumes the form of a low dense mass of soft green foliage studded freely with the racemes of flowers. This species is widely grown for its flowers' delicate, musky fragrance and for an essential oil that is used in perfumery. Other species include wild mignonette (R. lutea) and white mignonette (R. alba).